Law Summary
Definitions of Key Terms Related to Cultural Heritage
- Provides specific definitions for terms such as "adaptive reuse," "cultural property," "intangible cultural heritage," "national cultural treasure," among others.
- Defines categories of cultural properties, cultural agencies, and activities relevant to heritage.
- Clarifies scope including movable, immovable, tangible and intangible cultural properties.
Categories and Protection of Cultural Property
- Cultural property categorized as national cultural treasures, important cultural property, world heritage sites, and others.
- Defines criteria for important cultural property, including works by national artists, historical structures over 50 years old, and archival materials.
- Declares privileges such as priority government funding, official heritage markers, and special protection during conflict or disasters.
- Procedures established for declaration and delisting of cultural properties.
- Right of first refusal granted to cultural agencies for purchase of national treasures.
- Dealers must be licensed and submit inventories; sale and export require clearances.
Heritage Zones
- Heritage zones designated by appropriate cultural agencies in consultation with government bodies.
- Local governments tasked to maintain zones respecting historical appearance and sociocultural practices.
Registration and Conservation of Cultural Property
- Mandates the creation of the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property to document important heritage.
- Cultural agencies and local governments maintain inventories; private owners register properties confidentially.
- Conservation works must comply with international standards and be supervised by cultural agencies.
- Promotes documentation and protection of traditional and contemporary arts.
- Grants authority to National Museum for research, specimen collection, and monitoring archaeological sites.
- Establishes heritage agreements with private owners to protect properties.
- Supports the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in cooperation with UNESCO.
- Prohibits relocation or alteration of immovable national treasures without permit.
- Indigenous cultural properties protected through specific programs.
- Renaming of designated historical sites restricted and subject to approval.
Regulation of Export, Import, and Repatriation of Cultural Property
- Requires export permits for cultural property registered under the Registry, primarily for temporary scientific or exhibition purposes.
- Government empowered to claim repatriation of illicitly exported cultural properties.
- Allows international agreements on import and repatriation with reciprocal rights.
Powers of the Commission and Cultural Agencies
- Authority to issue Cease and Desist Orders to prevent damage to cultural properties.
- Can order compulsory repairs on neglected heritage properties.
- Possess visitorial powers for inspection subject to owner consent.
- Can deputize other government law enforcement agencies for enforcement.
- Empowered to recover cultural properties in foreign custody.
- Regulates archaeological and anthropological research and excavations with strict controls and permits.
- Infrastructure projects must consider cultural heritage impacts.
Roles of Cultural Agencies and Cooperation with Government Units
- Defines responsibilities of various cultural agencies based on their jurisdiction (e.g., National Museum, National Historical Institute).
- Emphasizes coordination with multiple national and local agencies for heritage protection.
- Encourages local government units to include cultural heritage programs and training.
Incentives and Support Programs for Cultural Heritage
- Tax exemptions granted for donations to cultural agencies.
- Financial grants available for conservation and research.
- Annual awards for outstanding heritage preservation efforts.
Cultural Education Programs
- Mandates inclusion of cultural heritage in education curricula at all levels.
- Promotes educational materials and public access to historical sites.
Incentives for Cultural Heritage Workers
- Scholarship, training, and career advancement programs for heritage workers.
- Provides for scientific career merit system and merit awards.
Establishment and Functions of Sentro Rizal
- Created to promote Philippine arts, culture, and language worldwide.
- Overseas branches to provide cultural materials and educational programs.
- Coordinates with Philippine schools abroad and offers cultural activities.
Penal Provisions for Violations
- Prohibits destruction, alteration, illicit trade, and unauthorized export of cultural properties.
- Sets penalties including fines and imprisonment, license revocation for dealers, and deportation for aliens.
- Holds government officials accountable for nonfeasance regarding heritage protection duties.
National Endowment for Culture and the Arts
- Establishes a special fund of 500 million pesos for cultural programs, sourced from PAGCOR and government appropriations.
Implementation and Repealing Clauses
- Commission to promulgate implementing rules within 90 days.
- Repeals inconsistent laws and regulations.
- Includes separability and effectivity provisions for the Act.